Ezra Brooks Cask Strength Single Barrel

This single barrel selection was from a tasting event. I still have trouble identifying simpler notes, in this or other bourbons. Nose: I detect ethanol and some sweetness, possibly vanilla. Palate: I experience the same as the nose, ethanol first followed by sweet vanilla and a touch of spice. Mouthfeel: It's not too oily but not watery. It coats my mouth. Many legs streak down the glass. Evolution: It remains on the palate. The ethanol moves to the chest, and vanilla and spices persist. It's hard to ignore the proof initially, but it's very enjoyable and easy to drink. Not thrilling, but not a letdown.

Barrel 7352505, filled 3/31/16, chosen by Total Wine—CTX. Nose of oak, cinnamon, toasted grain, caramel, vanilla, and milk chocolate, with pecan pie, peanut butter and a little something floral once a little water is added. Sweet, with apple, cinnamon, vanilla, chocolate, honey, nuts, oak, chamomile, char and toasted malt flavors. Something seems a little raw. Hot but not too much.

Golden with an underlying red hue Nose: heavy brown sugar, creme brûlée, Palate: thick mouthfeel, oak, spices, subtle dark red fruits Finish: a pleasant oak heavy finish with a slow burn that lingers A very nice, slightly complex bourbon that is drinkable, yet reminds you of its proof in a positive way.

Barrel 7390066, filled on 5/10/2015, 120 proof. Aroma: Caramel and mint on the nose. Taste: Sweet initially, with anise and caramel. Rye spice emerges on the backend of the palate, with brown sugar and a subtle mint in the finish. Notes of almond and vanilla are also present.

This won't thrill those seeking complex flavors, but it offers a surprisingly pleasant aroma for its proof. For the bold drinkers who embrace high-proof spirits, this is a wonderful bourbon.

The smell brings to mind cinnamon apple sauce. The taste mirrors the aroma with apple cider being the most prominent flavor. Hints of aged wood and butter add depth to the overall profile. A good pour for the price of a $55 cask strength bottle.